Rough Riders roll into IA tactical vehicle training

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq-A Soldier assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, gives instruction on how to operate a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle's electrical system to Soldiers from the 3rd Iraqi during a three-day training exercise in Al Kisik Oct. 25. The training gave transportation units of the 3rd Division a foundation to begin a new process on maintaining vehicles for the overall readiness of their mission.

CONTINGECY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq-Sgt. 1st Class Charles Vanzandt, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the logistical transition assistance team for the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, supervises Soldiers of the Iraqi Army's 3rd Division during hands-on training on a multi-meter Oct. 25. The training gave transportation units of the 3rd Division a foundation to begin a new process on maintaining vehicles for the overall readiness of their mission.

Rough Rider mechanics traveled to the Iraqi compound north of here for a three-day maintenance class to IA Soldiers. The hands-on training focused on starting and charging the tactical vehicle systems.

"They asked a lot of questions and picked our brain for knowledge," said Staff Sgt. James Handley, a native of Phoenix. "The (IA) were very eager (throughout the training). It was a pleasant experience."

During the training, the U.S. Soldiers showcased their expertise in mechanical skills as well as the importance of safety and the proper procedures for trouble shooting their equipment.

The IA troops learned vehicle maintenance skills and gained knowledge on repairing vital parts to humvees. The skills acquired during the training are essential to the overall operational level of the 3rd IA Div.'s vehicles.

"The maintenance training provided the opportunity for U.S. forces to strengthen partnership efforts with (their) 3rd Iraqi Army counterparts," said Sgt. 1st Class Charles Vanzandt, in charge of the Rough Rider's logistical transition assistance team.

"The Iraqi Army is very eager to learn and receptive to us training them," said Vanzandt, a native of Lockney, Texas. "They stayed motivated while learning from us."

With the help of Soldiers from the 27th BSB, transportation units of the Iraqi Army's 3rd Division now have a foundation to begin a new process on maintaining vehicles for the overall readiness of their mission.